The ‘Cowboy’ has been elevated to the status of the hero of heroes. Rugged and industrious, he rides the plains and herds of America. But what does a ‘Cowpoke’ do?

Before we answer that question, let’s meet one of the roughest, toughest, rootin’-tootinist ‘Cowpersons’ of them all:

Well, maybe he’s one of them there New Age Cow Folk?

Now it’s time to answer the question: What is a Cowpoke? Please enjoy the following video as the one-and-only Eddy Arnold yodels us the answer:

I’ll never be branded
And never be broke
I’m a carefree range ridin’
Driftin’ cowpoke… 

Pretty sure that about sums it up! But to belabor the point, them that we is jawin’ about are hired hands who tend cattle and perform other duties on horseback. They can be called a cowboy, cowpoke, cowhand, cowherd, cowman, cowpuncher, puncher, cattleman buckaroo, just plain old buckeroo if you’re in California, or a vaquero if you’re in southwestern and central Texas.

Mickey is all duded up with a hat, bandana, gloves, chaps, and cowboy boots. And check out that monogrammed belt buckle!

Well, if he was rounded up in Disneyland, he’d be from the West. If he was corralled in Walt Disney World, he’d be from the East. But if he was shanghaied to China, he’d be from the Far East. Oh Mickey, how far you may have travelled! Your horse must be tired.

Mickey has played a cowboy / cowpoke many times over the years. Check out another post featuring Mickey in spurs by clicking the link. To conclude, I’ll leave you with a Cowpoke’s lament:

I ain’t got a dime
In these old worn out jeans
So I’ll stop eatin’ steak
And go back to beans.